Joshua Williams is a Los Angeles–based higher education professional with expertise in student development and basic needs advocacy. His work has centered on advancing resource accessibility for disproportionately impacted college students through institutional capacity building, organizing, and systems-level change.
Before joining Achieving the Dream, Joshua worked as a consultant supporting program development at numerous California Community colleges. As the inaugural project manager for the Real College California Coalition, he provided guidance on basic needs strategy and implementation to 94 colleges. He also supported the development of new NextUp foster youth programs across the state through consulting services and trauma-informed training.
Previously, Joshua served as a practitioner-researcher at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University, providing coaching and technical assistance to college professionals across the country. He also directed the Toro Guardian Scholars (TGS) program at California State University, Dominguez Hills, offering case management and holistic support for students with lived experience in foster care. During his time as a student affairs practitioner, he launched the CalFresh Outreach program, secured funding for emergency aid and academic support, and co-designed a student-facing app to help address food insecurity.
Education:
M.S. (Counseling) | California State University, Long Beach
B.A. (Communications) | California State University, Dominguez Hills
Past Experience:
Project Manager | Real College California Coalition
Practitioner-Researcher | The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs
Toro Guardian Scholars Director | CSUDH
Toro Guardian Scholars Lead Coordinator | CSUDH
How has education changed your life/your family?
Education gave me the language, skills, and confidence to advocate for both myself and my community. As a first-generation college graduate, earning my degrees opened doors that once felt out of reach and empowered me to support other first-gen students navigating similar paths. My journey through higher education helped me better understand the importance of representation and inspired me to pay it forward by creating spaces where students can thrive.